Definition
Web 2.0 backlinks are links obtained by creating content on free blogging platforms like WordPress.com, Blogger, Tumblr, Medium, Weebly, or Wix. The SEO creates a free blog, publishes content, and inserts a link to their money site. This technique was popular because these platforms have high domain authority. However, used abusively (low-quality blogs, spun content, excessive links), it's considered spam by Google. Used ethically (quality content, maintained blogs), it can help diversify a link profile. In tiered linking strategies, Web 2.0s are often used as Tier 2 to reinforce Tier 1 links.
Key Points
- Web 2.0 platforms have inherited high domain authority
- Used ethically with quality content, they diversify the link profile
- Abusive usage (spam, spun content) is easily detected and penalized
Practical Examples
Quality WordPress.com blog
An SEO consultant creates a WordPress.com blog where they regularly publish quality articles on their topic, with links to their main resources. The blog is maintained and generates its own traffic.
Abusive usage
Creating hundreds of Blogger and Tumblr blogs with spun content and links to the money site is a spam technique easily detected by SpamBrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Their effectiveness has greatly diminished. Used alone and massively, they're ineffective and risky. As a complement to a diversified strategy with quality content, they can contribute marginally to the link profile.
Depends on usage. A Web 2.0 blog with unique quality content is not spam. Dozens of automated blogs with duplicate content and excessive links are clearly spam.
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Last updated: 2026-02-07